Dan + Shay: Songwriting, Family and Making Music That Matters

On this episode of Off the Record, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki sits down with Dan + Shay to discuss their new album, Young,  the creative journey that brought them there, and the decision to follow their instincts rather than rush the next chapter. Dan Smyers opens up about shelving an earlier project because it “just didn’t feel like the right natural step,” while the duo explains how that experience helped them find their way forward.The duo also shares stories behind some of the album’s most personal songs and how they write from where they are in life now, including family, love, difficult moments, and mental health. Shay Mooney explains that the album isn’t built around traditional heartbreak songs, but rather “things that we’re going through,” while Smyers says the songs are autobiographical and reflect experiences that have affected them personally and emotionally.And there’s plenty to enjoy along the way. The duo revisits their experience performing the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup, talk sports, their shared love of football and hockey, and even talk about the possibility of one day playing the Super Bowl halftime show. The episode concludes with some songwriting advice from the guys, with Mooney saying, “Write a lot of them,” and Smyers reinforcing the value of staying productive and chasing the right idea.Let’s go Off the Record with Dan + Shay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices